Frances K. McInnis

LEWISTON -- Frances K. McInnis, 87, of Lochness Road in Rumford, passed into God’s grace on February 15, 2011 at the D’Youville Pavilion in Lewiston.

She was born in Rumford on March 15, 1923, and was the daughter of Alexander and Frances (Kucejko) Kowalzyk. She graduated from Stephens High School in Rumford Class of 1941 and attended Keystone Junior College and Duke University and graduated from University of Maine at Orono with her degree in teaching.

During World War II, she served as a Navy Wave as an Aviation Machinist 3c.

Frances was a high school teacher in Mexico and Rumford for over 25 years until her retirement. She was very involved in student activities and clubs. She served as the Cheerleading Advisor for Mexico High School Senior Sports programs.

She and her husband traveled throughout the state with the Mexico football and basketball teams. She taught the first Advanced Placement classes in creative writing. She served on the board of directors of the Rumford Boys Home. She was a passionate and active democrat in the local party.

She and her husband co-chaired the Senator Ted Kennedy Team for President and for George Mitchell races as well. She began her second career on the Rumford School Committee where she served for many years. She concluded her public service on the committee to save Stephens High School.

She was a communicant of St. Athanasius-St. John Church.

She was married in Rumford on July 17, 1947 to D.H. Austin McInnis, who died July 29, 2006.

Survivors include daughters, Louise Regan and husband, Patrick of Bangor, Marcia McInnis of Gloucester, MA, and Pamela McInnis-Kaubris and husband, Matthew of Rumford; son, M. Scott McInnis and wife, Trisha of Hamilton, MA; grandchildren, Alexa and Cameron Kaubris of Rumford, Austin and Adelaide McInnis of Hamilton, MA.

She was predeceased by her parents; husband; and brothers, Alexander, Dr. Edward, Henry and Theodore Kowalzyk.

Frances K. McInnis Photo:

Frances K. McInnis